Bengaluru Doctors Cure Rare Urinary Disorder After 19 Failed Surgeries

Bengaluru: Doctors at Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi have successfully treated a 31-year-old man suffering from Extrophy Epispadias, an extremely rare congenital urological condition, through a complex reconstructive surgery, bringing relief after nearly two decades of suffering and 19 unsuccessful surgical procedures performed at multiple hospitals in Bengaluru.

Extrophy Epispadias is a rare birth defect in which the bladder and urethra fail to develop normally, affecting the urinary tract and external genitalia. Occurring in approximately 1 in 30,000 -50,000 births, the condition can lead to continuous urinary leakage, recurrent infections, chronic pain, skin damage, kidney complications, and severe social and psychological distress if left inadequately treated.

The patient presented to Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi with persistent urinary incontinence, worsening infections, left-sided lower back pain, and significant emotional distress.

Detailed evaluation revealed obstruction of the left ureter, urine backflow causing kidney swelling and infection, extensive scarring from prior surgeries, distorted pelvic anatomy, and the absence of a functional bladder wall, making the case exceptionally high-risk and medically complex.

Given the extent of anatomical distortion and repeated surgical failures, the urology teamat Fortis, planned and executed a highly specialised reconstructive procedure involving a permanent urinary diversion through an ileal conduit. This procedure creates a new pathway for urine to drain safely through a stoma on the abdomen into an external collection bag, allowing continuous and controlled urine flow.

The surgery was successfully performed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors led by Dr. Premkumar Krishnappa, Additional Director & Senior Consultant – Urology, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, without any intra-operative or post operative complications. The patient was discharged in a stable condition within four days and has since made a smooth recovery.

Explaining the complexity of the case, Dr. Premkumar Krishnappa, Additional Director & Senior Consultant – Urology, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, said, “The patient was born with an exposed bladder and had never experienced normal urinary control.

Over nearly 12 years, he underwent 19 reconstructive surgeries, yet continued to suffer from constant leakage, recurrent infections, chronic pain, and social isolation. While the condition itself may not be immediately life-threatening, delayed, or inadequate treatment can lead to kidney failure, severe infections, and profound psychological trauma.

Today, following this surgery, he is able to move freely, work confidently, and live with dignity, outcomes that were previously unimaginable.”

Expressing his gratitude, the patient said, “I lived in fear and shame for most of my life. After this surgery, I finally feel free. I can step out, work, and speak to people without hesitation. For the first time in years, I feel normal.”

Mr. Ratheef Naik, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi, said, “This case highlights the strength of our multidisciplinary, patient-centric approach at Fortis Nagarbhavi. We are proud to have restored independence, confidence, and dignity to a patient who endured years of physical and emotional suffering.

Such successful outcomes reinforce our expertise in managing rare, high-complexity urological conditions and reaffirm our position as a referral centre for advanced reconstructive urology.”